Assessing the Need for a Specialist Service for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Health Problems Living in Israel: A Qualitative Study

Amanda Sinai,Mike Stawski,Shirli Werner

doi:10.3389/fped.2013.00049

Abstract

Background: It is well established that people with intellectual disabilities are at higher risk of developing mental illnesses. This study aimed to assess the need for a specialized service for people (children and adults) with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems living in Israel.Methods: Our research question was: is there a need for a specialist mental health service for people with intellectual disabilities living in Israel and, if so, what type of service would be most appropriate? We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 14 major stakeholders to identify key themes in response to our research question. The data were coded and themes were identified.Results: Participants were generally not satisfied with current mental health care for people with intellectual disabilities and there was a general agreement that services are in need of improvement. We identified three major themes from the data. These were: current services, future services, and ways to facilitate change.Conclusion: We hope that our findings will be instrumental in shaping the ongoing debate about the best form of delivery of services to this population in Israel. Specifically, we suggest the development of a more specialized system, with the formation of multidisciplinary regional assessment and treatment units in parallel with improved relevant training for all mental health workers and the possibility of referral to specialized teams in more complex cases.

Highlights

In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [1], in Israel, as in a number of other countries, there is a general trend toward integrating people with intellectual disabilities within their communities
Our research question was: is there a need for a specialist mental health service for people with intellectual disabilities living in Israel and, if so, what type of service would be most appropriate? We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 14 major stakeholders to identify key themes in response to our research question
Variability of services – participants highlighted differences between services received by individuals living in residential care, who often have access to a private psychiatrist, and those who live in the community, who are expected to access general community mental health care, but often have difficulty doing so

Summary

Introduction

In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [1], in Israel, as in a number of other countries, there is a general trend toward integrating people with intellectual disabilities within their communities. An annual delegation of Israelis with intellectual disabilities travels to Poland on a Holocaust remembrance program alongside others who do not have intellectual disabilities [5] Despite this positive trend, people with intellectual disabilities are often excluded from many services, including health, education, and community facilities. Frequently people with dual diagnosis are more likely to be excluded from various services, and in particular health services, which are the focus of this manuscript Given their more complex needs, one would expect people with intellectual disabilities to be given more support by mainstream services. This study aimed to assess the need for a specialized service for people (children and adults) with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems living in Israel

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion